Linux can be downloaded for free from the internet with no registration fees or costs. It was created by Linus Torvalds as a freely available version of UNIX. Installing Linux involves checking hardware compatibility, repartitioning disks if needed, and booting from an installation CD or floppy disks. Basic installation kits include README files, boot disk images, and packages for common software. Configuring Linux allows customizing settings like installing additional software repositories. Common Linux commands allow navigating and managing the file system and permissions. Uninstalling Linux mainly involves removing it from the boot loader menu rather than deleting its files.